Shrimp scampi is a deliciously decadent dish, typically made with shrimp in butter and garlic.
It is not traditionally served with pasta, but some may choose to serve it over angel hair or linguini.
It is a delicious meal that can be served as an appetizer or main course.
When paired with the perfect side dish, it becomes the ideal dinner for family and friends.
In this article I’m going to give 11 side dishes that go great with shrimp scampi.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi? 11 BEST Side Dishes
Although shrimp scampi is delicious on its own, it’s always fun to experiment with different side dishes.
Side dish choices typically depend on the country or region of origin for a specific meal.
Italians may enjoy serving pasta as an accompaniment and some people might opt for rice instead.
Certain cultures might choose sides that are more in line with their preferences and cultural traditions when they make shrimp scampi as well – but there really are many options.
1 – Roasted Red Potatoes
Roasted red potatoes are a staple side dish for any family, especially during the holiday season.
But why do they taste so much better than regular mashed or boiled potatoes? Flavors from other dishes and spices stick to their surface because of its rough texture- just like how cheese sticks to french fries.
This is what makes roasted reds special.
They’re easy to make and they have all the flavor you can ask for.
When serving roasted red potatoes, be sure not to forget about important ingredients like butter, salt, and pepper.
*Tip: season your potatoes as soon as they come out of the oven to maximize flavor.
You can also be a little sneaky with some garlic powder on top for an added kick.
2 – Creamy Polenta
There are many reasons why cooking creamy polenta is the perfect side dish for your shrimp scampi.
Maybe you’re having a more formal dinner party and want to have a starch that can be cut into portions, or maybe you’re looking for a healthier option.
Either way, creamy polenta is the right side dish choice.
There are some mistakes people make when they try polenta such as using too much water or adding it too soon because they think watered down cheese tastes just like cream sauce – but no one wants runny soup on their plate.
One thing you’ll love about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time and even frozen, so when dinner time comes around all you have to do is put them in the oven for a few minutes–no more slaving over hot stovetop.
You can add some butter and cheese to your cream of corn before serving for an even richer flavor.
3 – Easy Vegetable Lasagna
The idea of serving lasagna for a side dish may seem odd but when you think about it, pasta is one of the most flexible foods around and lasagna can be made in advance.
You’ll find that many restaurants offer this as an option so don’t hesitate to ask your server for more information before making up your mind.
Lasagne sheets come pre-made or frozen with all kinds of flavors like spinach, tomato basil, and cheese.
This easy vegetable lasagna will leave guests feeling satisfied without leaving them with that heavy greasy food coma after their meal.
4 – Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
The classic Italian recipe for Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes can be used as a side dish, main course or even appetizer when served hot on the buffet table.
Orzo is a type of rice shaped pasta and is often used in soups or as the base for casserole dishes.
It’s delicious, nutritious yet low in calorie- content making it guilt free treat that will satisfy your taste buds without overloading you.
The taste of this dish is fresh and light with a touch of garlic, making it perfect for any time of the day.
5 – Garlic Butter Bread
Garlic bread is a classic, and for good reason.
It gets rave reviews from both children and adults alike with the garlic flavor that can be customized to suit any palate.
Garlic butter offers an even more intense taste than plain ol’ melted butter, so you’ll want to start small until your guests get used to its potency.
Before baking, brush the garlic butter over one side of each slice of bread and place on a broiler pan or cookie sheet with the buttered sides up.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about five to seven minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
You may need to flip it halfway through cooking depending on your oven’s quirks (and whether you’re using an electric oven).
The edges should be more crisp than the center since they spend less time in contact with heat.
6 – Lemon Rice
How about citrus rice? It’s a snap to make and tastes like sunshine with just enough acidity.
Lemon Rice is a wonderful side dish that can be served with any meal to add flavor, texture and variety.
The acidity of lemon balances out the butter and salt in dishes like fried chicken or shrimp.
Cook white or brown rice according to package instructions, then add the juice of one lemon (or two depending on your preference) along with zest from half a lemon, salt and pepper to taste, and butter if desired.
Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean that you can’t add some extra flavor with spices like turmeric and cinnamon if you want.
7 – Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
It’s summer time and you want to serve your guests a side dish that is not only light, but delicious.
Arugula salad with lemon dressing could be the answer you’re looking for.
Arugula is good for you and has an amazing taste.
It’s not your average leafy green in the garden, but it should be on more plates than just salads–try sauteing or roasting them next time to get some variety out of this powerhouse vegetable.
Lemon dressing makes this dish tangy, bright and refreshing.
This side dish can be paired with most any entree–just wait until you try it with shrimp scampi.
8 – Brown Rice Pilaf with Vegetables
Why not try serving brown rice pilaf with vegetables as a side dish?
It is a great vegetarian dish, and it’s easy to make.
The brown rice base of the pilaf makes for an excellent contrast with colorful vegetables like carrots or spinach in every bite.
Just boil the water and add in your favorite spices, salt, pepper, butter or margarine then stir it all up.
Easily make this delicious vegan recipe by adding veggies like carrots, onions to create rainbow colored bowls of goodness.
The best part about cooking Brown Rice Pilaf: no sticky mess on pots and pans.
9 – Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets
Are you looking for some alternative vegetables to serve with shrimp scampi?
Roasted broccoli or cauliflower florets are great with the dish.
They’re delicious served as a side and can be prepared using your favorite cooking method: roasting, baking, boiling, microwaving, frying in olive oil, depending on which way you enjoy them best.
Roasted veggies are packed full of flavor so it’s easy to get kids excited about eating their greens.
These little bits are so tasty on their own they don’t need any sort of sauce – just toss in some olive oil, salt and pepper before roasting at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until browned then enjoy as is with a little fresh lemon juice squeezed on top.
10 – Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Salad is always a smart and refreshing choice on hot days.
The Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a perfect match for shrimp scampi because it has all the ingredients to make this dish more like an entree, not just a side: olives, capers, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion.
It’s a delicious alternative to croutons, or other more traditional side dishes like potatoes or rice pilafs.
11 – Steamed Baby Carrots with Dill
The soft, sweet flavor of baby carrots can be enhanced with a touch of dill and warm butter.
They retain their crunchy texture and have the delicate flavor of carrots with just the right amount of spices that makes it perfect as an accompaniment to soup or meat dishes.
A dash on dill will complement this carrot without overpowering its natural taste.
This recipe is perfect for Easter dinner or any time you want to serve an easy vegetable side dish that will please the table.
Nothing complicate, just a few ingredients, and you’re ready to bring in the Easter bunny.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish, but can quickly get old if you don’t mix it up.
We hope you have enjoyed this list of 11 side dishes that are perfect to serve with shrimp scampi.
From traditional Italian options like roasted potatoesto more unique salad dishes, there is a recipe for every taste bud.
If there are any other recipes you would recommend, please share them with us.
Bon Appetit!
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi – 11 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- Creamy Polenta
- Easy Vegetable Lasagna
- Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Garlic Butter Bread
- Lemon Rice
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Brown Rice Pilaf with Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad
- Steamed Baby Carrots with Dill
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!